There are many hiking trails down here in Harpswell, Maine. I’ve visited some and still checking out others. Spring has come finally to southern coastal Maine. My companions on these excursions are few: my 5 yo granddaughter, Brinley, loves the hikes and the woods. My other frequent companion is my good friend, Jim. Jim is a little older than Brinley. Closer to my own senior status. (In fact, just a smidgen older.) But, usually I go alone, this is because I like to go on impulse between other activities on my busy calendar.
Each trail is unique with their own offerings of the coastal forests. All trails are rich with the scent of Maine’s conifers, sweet firs and varied brush. Pine, spruce, junipers. The birds are back and provide a soft, songful background to the scene. I met a fox on one trip. He was trotting through the shrubs and crossed my trail, with only a quick glance at me. We both were caught by surprise. Another time I ran into a family of deer. Widgeon Cove is a deep experience. Dark in places with drops into sylvan dips and turns. A few small climbs with trails that split for different sights and views. The coastal forests have suffered over years from strong winter blusters and ice storms, including the ice storm from the 90’s. It has left evidence: damaged trees, sometimes serious, fatal damage, exposing their guts and inner workings; some of these uprootings reaching my own height, other trees busted off above ground level sharp, splintered spears pointing skyward. Some older, larger trees crashed and dying, yet are held up by other sturdier trees. But, on closer observation the forest is growing back with new, green spruce and pine and a few birch and oaks. Life goes on.
For followers to this blog you won’t be surprised if I bring Janis into the picture. I’ve discovered, or become more aware that my nostalgia for all that concerns Janis is unavoidable. It is most heavy at the change of seasons. Seasons without her. Last month we were finally allowed in-person visits. We both have been fully vaccinated. I was able to be with her in her room for 3-half hour visits. These visits are what I call Covid visits. They have to be scheduled and are not daily. However, recently there was a scare after a person tested positive. Not anyone on Janis’s Unit. The facility holds nearly 200 including a Rehab Unit and Nursing Home. They have paused the visits until they re-test everyone in the entire facility. Including staff. This requires several days. They test all persons three times. So far the tests have been negative. I’m rescheduled for next week, assuming that all 3 tests come back negative. There is one more test. The results are due this Friday. So I didn’t have the opportunity to visit her on her birthday. I did send in a dozen roses. And I called her. This is a one way conversation but I’ve done this before and it has been quite successful. Staff hold the phone against her left ear (Janis is deaf and lost speech) and I talk to her. This is brief, partly because Janis’s attention span is lost after a few minutes, and it ties up a staff person because she can’t hold the phone herself. But these brief calls give her smiles and recognition that I have not forgotten her.
I’m going for a hike this morning just up the road from where I live, Curtis Cove. This hike also involves some hills, and also a large open field. I see more hikers on this trail. It’s popular. This is where Brinley and I go most frequently. Also, this Friday I’m meeting up with a man who was a boy in the camping, groupwork program I ran in the 1970’s. We connected via Facebook and have stayed in touch for a while now. Strangely…he’s no longer 12 years old and I’m no longer in my 30’s. As a kid I recall he did a great Steve Martin impersonation. “I’m a wild, and crazy guy!” Glen remained in the groupwork program for a few years and as a teen he helped me supervise outings, including a winter carnival in Quebec City, with younger kids. Several kids from that era of my life have stayed in touch. It pleases me.
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